The CBCI Council for Women and the three Dioceses of Delhi-NCR jointly organized an Inter-Ritual Catholic Women’s Meet on the 11th of November 2017, at Convent of Jesus and Mary School, New Delhi.

The program was graced by His Excellency Theodore Mascarenhas, CBCI Secretary General, His Excellency Jacob Mar Barnabas, Bishop of Gurugram & Chairperson of CBCI Council for Women. His Grace Anil Couto, Archbishop of Delhi, His Grace Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of Faridabad.

The meeting was attended by the women representatives of the Archdiocese of Delhi, Diocese of Faridabad and Gurugram. A total number of 130, participated from 3 Dioceses. Sr. Rushila Rebello, DHM, Sr. Rani, HCM, and Dr. Pearl Drego were the main resource speakers for the program with the topics Domestic Violence, Various Labour Schemes and Elimination of violence against women respectively. Rev Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Executive Secretary of CBCI Office for Labour, celebrated the Holy Eucharist. The Secretaries of the Dioceses presented the report of the Diocesan Women Commission Activities during the meeting.

Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas emphasized that women are role models – in their home, Church and Nation. And as role model they should come forward and claim their responsibilities and lead the people, together as a ‘team’. He shared his dream of someday witnessing a more fruitful and effective Evangelism in India with the presence of all the 22 Rites of the Universal Catholic Church. He suggested that the Diocesan Secretaries should conduct at least 1 Program a year.

In the afternoon session, we felicitated Sr. Sneha Gill on her appointment as the Member of the Delhi Minority Commission. Most Rev Theodore Mascarenhas, on his speech congratulated Sr. Sneha Gill on her achievements and motivated the women present, with his inspiring words. He spoke on the important value of Womanhood of being a Mother, by recollecting his mother who not only beared the pain but imparted values and love to him and the family. He conveyed the group that this meeting isn’t an intra but a supra-ritual meet. He congratulated Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas and Sr. Talisha for reviving the CBCI Council for Women and giving visibility and platforms.

His Grace Anil Couto expressed his appreciation for the team for the well organized program. He conveyed the message of equality and that both man and woman are capable of performing equal task with no gender bias. Relaying his best wishes, His Grace Anil Couto invoked the presence of the Holy Spirit upon the women and blessed them for their future endeavours.

His Grace Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, at the outset said that when it comes to women he had little knowledge but appreciated the office for taking such initiative to empower women and the efforts taken to reach out to the public. He compared women as the lights of the family as well of the Church and with them we gain more enlightenment.

Sr. Sneha, through her short speech shared and enlightened the group of the benefits we can claim, being a minority community. She also strongly urged the women especially, to stand up for their rights and come forward without fear, by assuring her firm support.